As we close in on the last two months of the year, business owners should hit pause for a minute and get intentional about how they want to finish strong and set up next year. This isn’t about gimmicks or fluff. It’s about smart, disciplined actions that protect what you’ve built and position you for growth.

Here are six things every business owner should be looking at as we approach year-end:

• Financial Housekeeping
  Start with the basics: get your books clean. If your books are messy, your numbers lie to you. Make sure everything is reconciled, categorized properly, and that you have a clear P&L and balance sheet. Your CPA (and future self) will thank you.

Then ask: what story do your numbers tell? Are you profitable? Where are you leaking cash? Any overdue receivables that need attention before year-end?

• Tax Positioning
  Now is the time to look at your expected tax liability. Don’t wait until March when your options are gone. Are there any legitimate end-of-year expenses you can accelerate? Should you defer income? Can you max out retirement contributions or bonus yourself before the clock runs out?

If you received ERC funds or sold assets, there may be surprises waiting for you. Get ahead of them. Sit down with your CPA and legal team to run scenarios. Every dollar you save now is a dollar you can reinvest later.

• Legal & Compliance Review
  When was the last time you looked at your corporate documents? Many owners haven’t revisited their operating agreement, bylaws, or shareholder structure since Day 1. If you took on a partner, gave out equity, or changed states, your docs may not reflect reality, which can pose huge problems down the road.

Make sure your business entity is in good standing with the state. Confirm your licenses, permits, and insurance policies are current. Don’t give regulators or litigants an easy opening.

• Team and Contractor Alignment
  Are your people properly classified? We’re seeing more audits where W-2 vs 1099 misclassification is low-hanging fruit for the DOL and IRS.

Also, look at performance and compensation. Did your team hit their targets? Are there year-end bonuses or reviews due? If you have restrictive covenant agreements, now’s a good time to refresh them, especially if roles have changed or remote work has expanded.

• Estate and Asset Protection Moves
  If you own your business, your estate plan and business plan should be in sync. Do you have a succession plan in place? Have you reviewed your trusts, POAs, and beneficiary designations this year?

Also, make sure you’re insulated personally from business risks. If you’ve acquired property, grown your cash reserves, or taken on new liabilities, your asset protection strategy may need a tune-up.

• Strategic Planning for 2026 and Beyond
  Don’t just close the books. Ask what you want next year to look like. What’s the revenue target? Any planned hires or exits? Should you be forming a holding company, spinning off a new product line, or tightening up your client agreements?

Use December to schedule a half-day strategy session, solo or with your leadership team. Get clear on what you’ll stop doing, what you’ll double down on, and what systems need upgrading.

Final Thought: The best business owners don’t wait for tax season or legal trouble to start planning. They operate with foresight. The goal isn’t just to pay less tax or check a box; it’s to sleep better, knowing your business is protected and positioned to grow.

If you need help reviewing your structure, contracts, or estate plan before year-end, let’s talk. November is go-time.



How are you finishing 2025?